Toyota has been considering the Alphard for India for a long time now. In a surprise move, the company has decided to launch its fancier version - the Vellfire, instead. It recently showcased this luxury MPV at what could possibly have been a dealer preview event held prior to market launch.
The Toyota Vellfire will be a niche offering in India. It will compete with the Mercedes V-Class. This minivan is the most luxurious and stylish people mover Toyota makes. It is available in two variants: Standard Body and Aero Body. The latter has more aggressive styling, but India will apparently get the former with elegant styling. The minivan measures 4,935 mm in length, 1,850 mm in width and 1,935 mm/1,950 mm in height. The ground clearance, depending on the configuration selected, is either 160 mm or 170 mm. Any market-specific changes won't be there, at least not mechanically.
The Toyota Vellfire is available with the 2AR-FE 2.5-litre petrol engine (182 PS/235 Nm) paired with a CVT and also the 2GR-FKS 3.5-litre petrol engine (301 PS/361 Nm) linked to an 8-speed AT. There's even a full-hybrid powertrain option, and that's going to be standard in the Indian-spec Toyota Vellfire. The hybrid powertrain combines the 2AR-FXE 2.5-litre petrol engine (152 PS/206 Nm) with the 2JM electric motor (143 PS/270 Nm) and the 2FM electric motor (68 PS/139 Nm). The fuel economy rating (JC08 test cycle) of the hybrid variant, depending on the trim selected, is either 18.4 km/l or 19.4 km/l.
According to the leaked brochure seen below, the Indian-spec Toyota Vellfire will be equipped with features like LED headlights with cornering lamps, sequential turn indicators, powered extendable Ottoman full recline seats, seat ventilation, heating and memory functions, twin moonroof, power slide & back doors, 7 airbags, multi-colour ambient lighting, individual seat tables and Black/Flaxen interior.
Also Read: Five global hatchbacks we badly wish were sold in India: From Kia Ceed to Volkswagen Golf
The Toyota Vellfire is expected to cost around INR 75 lakh (ex-showroom) in India.
[Image Source - Team-BHP]
